Game Analysis:
No matter the current state of the teams, there’s always something special about two iconic franchises facing off on primetime, and that is exactly what we have in this week 3 matchup on Sunday Night Football, as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders. While the Steelers are looking to get their young second year QB Kenny Pickett on track, the Raiders are looking to do the same with their veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be making his Vegas home debut. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles so far, but each has found a way to at least squeak out a win, setting up an important game for a pair of 1-1 teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers arrive in Sin City following an emotional victory last Monday against the Browns, in which their star pass rusher TJ Watt became the franchise’s all time sack leader, and then proceeded to score the game winning touchdown in the 4th quarter off a fumble recovery. The formula the Steelers used to win that game is no different from what we’ve seen from this team over the last year, where the defense keeps them in the game as the offense struggles to begin the game, but eventually finds a way to make just enough plays at key moments. QB Kenny Pickett struggled overall against Cleveland, but he did find George Pickens for a 71 yard score in the second quarter to give his team the lead for the time being. The running game really struggled to get going all game, and overall the offense has just not been able to find any kind of rhythm up to this point, but they do have the talent to turn it around. A favorable matchup against the Raiders defense will give them a chance to build momentum going forward.
The Vegas Raiders enter their home opener with a record of 1-1, following a blowout loss last week to the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders actually scored on their first drive of the game, as Jimmy G found Davante Adams for a 16 yard touchdown, but were unable to produce anything the rest of the game en route to a 38-10 loss. The rushing attack was non-existent early, and then was not really utilized after as the team was trailing big. The biggest key for the Raiders is to get a healthy Davante Adams back on the field, as he left last game with a concussion, but is expected to play against the Steelers. Overall, I trust the Steelers defense more than the Raiders, and I think we will see a classic game where Pittsburgh finds a way to come out on top late.
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